New York Knicks Still A Playoff Team

By Greg Douglas

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Being the most disappointing team is hard to do in a league that is currently filled with so many bad teams, but the New York Knickshave defied logic in a season where they have fallen from grace. Just last year, the Knicks were on the precipice of greatness, falling just short of an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, but the Knicks have looked uninterested this season, and on the brink of missing the playoffs. While the talented team is currently on the outside looking in and 22-33 overall, the Knicks are just 3.5 games out of the 8th in the East and remain alive in the playoff picture.

The New York Knicks continued to struggle Friday, as the team fell to the depleted Orlando Magic129-121 in double overtime. Carmelo Anthony‘s 44 point and 11 rebound performance was not enough, as Victor Oladipo led the Magic to the victory. Oladipo had 30 points, nine rebounds and 14 assists in arguably the best game of his young career. Can the Knicks overcome their season struggles and finish strong down the stretch?

The Knicks have shown glimpses of what the team is capable of this season, but New York has had a problem of stringing several good performances together, as many of the players on the team play with a self-centric mentality. Can the Knicks put their egos aside and ascend into the playoffs in a weak Eastern Conference?

New York will earn a playoff berth in a muddled conference that currently has only four teams over .500, but just how far can talent take these Knicks in the playoffs?

Greg Douglas is an NBA writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @thegpd93 or add him to your Google Network.